Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Education, Department of Foreign Language Education organized a seminar titled “Critical Approaches to Teaching Disciplines through English in Higher Education Institutions” which was held in Ali Hikmet Civelek Hall. The event organized with the initiatives of Prof. Dr. Naciye Kunt, a faculty member at the Department of Foreign Language Education, hosted two important figures Prof. Dr. Enric Llurda and Prof. Dr. Yasemin Bayyurt from University of Lleida, Spain.
At the event, Prof. Dr. Bayyurt delivered a presentation titled “Changing Paradigms, Changing ELT Practices in a Growingly Multilingual and Multicultural World”, approaching English teaching methods in a multilingual and multicultural world. In her presentation, Prof. Dr. Bayyurt explored how language policies from early childhood education to higher education are being redefined through the concept of ‘global citizenship’. She discussed the crucial role English teachers play in helping students develop intercultural awareness. She also underscored the value of multilingualism and intercultural citizenship education, offering awareness-focused teaching examples for both prospective and current teachers.
Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Llurda’s “The Englishization of Academic Institutions in the Expanding Circle” presentation discussed the notion of Englishization emerging from globalization. Prof. Dr. Llurda addressed the difficulties faced by universities in non-English-speaking regions that choose English as their medium of instruction. Using Catalonia (Spain) as a case study, he discussed the pedagogical and cultural consequences of adopting English for teaching. He highlighted several key issues, including the use of English as a common communicative language and the notion of native speakerism, the difference between teaching the English language and teaching academic content in English, and the challenges that may arise in English-medium education settings. Prof. Dr. Llurda also shared strategies that teachers and institutional leaders can implement, along with suggestions for navigating this process moving forward.
In her statement on the seminar, Head of EMU Department of Foreign Language Education Assist. Prof. Dr. Fatoş Erozan highlighted that in a globalized world, language serves not only as a communication tool but also as a fundamental aspect of intercultural understanding. She stated; “International academic interactions like this provide valuable opportunities for students and faculty alike to gain new perspectives and enhance their professional development. Having two leading experts share their insights and experience at our university represents a significant advantage for both the department and the institution”.